University Enrichment Day to Be Held March 18

Get re-energized, get new ideas, get motivated, meet your colleagues, and have fun—it’s not too late to register for University Enrichment Day, hosted by Human Resources on Friday, March 18, for Mason employees. This year’s theme is “The Balancing Act” and will focus on balancing the needs of different groups within the university as well as balancing the demands of work and personal life.

The day starts off at 9:30 a.m. on the third floor of the Johnson Center with a display fair and coffee and pastries to enjoy. The keynote speaker will be Brett Leake, who will present “The Good Life: A Work in Progress.” Leake has a neuromuscular disease and describes himself as a “sit-down, standup comic.” With stories and jokes, he describes the mental and emotional rewards of using humor to provide perspective and to see both the little and big things as “laughing matters.” Leake will speak in the Johnson Center Cinema at 10:45 a.m.

Following Leake’s presentation, lunch will be served in the SUB II Ballroom from noon to 1 p.m. with President Alan Merten as the lunchtime speaker. From 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. participants will attend the breakout session of their choice from the following options (all sessions will be in the Johnson Center):

Cross-cultural Communication: Marilyn McKenzie (Room A)

Handling Difficult Communications: Pat Donini (Room B)

Stress Reduction: Silvio Menzano (Room E)

Ethics in the Workplace: Linda Harber (Room D)

Avoiding Technology Stress: Star Muir (Room G)

Healthy Virginians Program: Susan Lord (Cinema)

The second hour breakout session begins at 2:30 p.m. with the following choices:

Yoga: Julia Morelli (Dance Studio)

Balancing Work and Life: Janette Muir (Room A)

Handling Difficult Communications: Pat Donini (Room B)

Knowing Your Benefits: Julie Kaye (Room C)

Time Management Tips: Carol Henderson (Room D)

Hemlock Exercise, Putting the T back in Team: Susan Johnson (Room F)

Healthy Lifestyles: Ron Carmichael (Room E)

From 3:30 to 3:45 p.m. cake and coffee will be served. At 3:45 p.m. participants will return to the Johnson Center Cinema for the wrap up and drawings for prizes.

University Enrichment Day costs $5 and includes all activities, lunch, and breaks. There is no charge to attend just the keynote address. For more information or a registration form, call 703-993-2621 or 703-993-4180.